Has anyone tried using different browsers? I switched from Chrome to Edge last week and haven't had the problem since. Maybe it's a browser compatibility issue?

Update: I tried a few different things based on everyone's suggestions, and I think I've found what works for me! I cleared my cache, switched to Edge browser, and did my entries early this morning. Everything saved correctly the first time! Also started taking screenshots just in case, and I'll be using that form UI-501WS if I notice any of my old entries are still incomplete. Thank you all for the help!

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at NY unemployment! I tried the Claimyr service that someone recommended here and got connected to an agent in about 25 minutes. Turns out there was a flag on my account because my former employer disputed my reason for separation (they claimed I quit, I was actually laid off). The agent was able to schedule an expedited fact-finding interview for tomorrow morning to resolve the dispute. She said once that's cleared, my payments should process within 3-5 business days for all backdated weeks. Thank you to everyone who offered advice - will update again after my interview tomorrow!

FINAL UPDATE: Had my fact-finding interview this morning. It was quick - about 15 minutes. I presented my termination letter which clearly stated "position eliminated due to departmental restructuring" and the interviewer seemed satisfied. My former employer didn't even show up for the call. The interviewer said my claim should be processed within 3 business days and all backdated weeks will be paid at once. Such a relief! Thanks again everyone - if anyone else is dealing with a stuck claim, definitely try to speak with an actual person. The online system just doesn't handle complex situations well.

UPDATE: I got through the ID.me verification! For anyone else stuck with this issue, here's what worked: 1. I used Chrome in incognito mode 2. Failed the facial recognition twice 3. Found the "Need help verifying your identity?" link at the bottom 4. Waited about 1 hour in the video chat queue 5. Verified with an agent who was actually very helpful My NY unemployment claim is now processing again. Thank you to everyone who helped with advice!

I'm having the EXACT same issue but with a twist - I got through ID.me verification but now my NYSDOL account says they can't confirm my identity!? So I'm verified but also not verified? Has anyone else had this happen? I'm so confused and scared I'll never get my benefits...

Same thing happened to me but my hold was for 12 weeks!!! I had to borrow money from everyone I knew. Its ridiculous how they leave ppl hanging like this. I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and it actually worked - got through to someone who explained what was happening with my claim. Still took forever but at least I understood what was going on.

Update: I spoke with a DOL rep today after using that Claimyr service (it actually worked!). They explained that I should continue certifying weekly but answer truthfully about my availability after giving birth. My claim will stay open, but benefits will pause while I'm medically unable to work. Once my doctor clears me, I can resume benefits without having to reapply. The 10-week investigation is still ongoing separately from this. Thank you all for your help and advice!

One more tip about NYS Disability - if your employer doesn't offer additional short-term disability insurance (many do), that $170/week maximum benefit hasn't been increased since the 1980s! It's criminally low. Definitely apply for WIC and check with your local Department of Social Services about emergency assistance too. Some counties have special programs for new mothers with financial hardship.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful information! I've made a checklist of everything I need to do tomorrow: 1. Talk to HR about NYS Disability Benefits and get the DB-450 form 2. Make appointment with my OB to get their portion completed ASAP 3. Look up my local WIC office and application process 4. Contact DSS about any other assistance programs 5. Ask hospital about meeting with social worker during my stay I'm still shocked at how low the disability benefit is, but at least it's something. I'll update after I talk to HR tomorrow. Fingers crossed this all works out!

this is why i HATE the keybank card!!! switched to direct deposit after they "lost" my payment twice. good luck getting through to nysdol, the whole system is a joke

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone! I used that Claimyr service and they called me back when I was connected to an agent. Turns out there was a payment hold on my account because of some random quarterly review thing. The agent cleared it right away and said I should get my payment within 3 business days. Why they couldn't just notify me about this is beyond me, but at least it's getting fixed! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

Update: I finally reached a supervisor today! I took everyone's advice and called the Advocate Office number first thing this morning. Had to wait about 30 minutes, but finally spoke to someone who was very understanding. They took all the details and gave me a case number for the complaint. They said they would review the call recording (apparently all calls are recorded) and someone would follow up with me within 10 business days. Thank you all for your help and suggestions!

I just want to add that while this experience was terrible, don't let it discourage you from following through with your unemployment claim. Unfortunately, there are some bad apples in every organization, but most DOL workers are trying to help. If you need to speak with someone again about your actual claim issues, you can request to speak with a different agent if you get someone who isn't being professional.

yo tambien hablo español! una cosa importante - asegurate que tu nombre este EXACTAMENTE igual en todos los documentos. mi prima tuvo problemas porque en algunos documentos usaba su segundo apellido y en otros no. cualquier diferencia puede causar retrasos!

One more thing to help you with the language barrier - NY unemployment offers Spanish language services! When you call, you can request a Spanish-speaking representative. Also, on the NY.gov website, there's a language selector at the top right corner where you can switch to Spanish. For document submission, all your documents can be in their original format (even if they're in Spanish), but any explanations you provide should be in English or you should request translation assistance.

i think i got the whole thing backward when i first filed lol. thought my benefit would be higher cuz i was looking at my yearly total not the quarter thing. was disappointed when the real amount came through

To summarize for anyone else with the same question: 1. The base period (full year) determines if you're eligible for benefits 2. Your weekly benefit amount is based on your highest quarter earnings within that base period 3. The formula is approximately 1/26 of your highest quarter earnings 4. The maximum weekly benefit in NY for 2025 is $650 5. If your determination seems wrong, you can request a reconsideration Hope this helps clear things up!

Update: I tried the 8am trick but still got the busy message. Then I tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and IT WORKED! They called me back in about 25 minutes and had an unemployment agent on the line. The agent fixed my issue in less than 10 minutes - turns out there was a verification flag on my account that was holding everything up. My payments should resume this week. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

For anyone else finding this thread with similar issues, here are some additional tips for reaching NY Unemployment in 2025: 1. Use the online message system for non-urgent matters 2. Try calling at 8:00am sharp or between 2:30-3:30pm on Tuesdays or Wednesdays 3. If your issue is urgent and affecting payment, consider the Claimyr service mentioned above 4. Contact your state assembly member or state senator's office for assistance 5. Check if there's a temporary callback feature available (NYSDOL sometimes activates this during high volume periods) 6. Make sure you're calling the correct number for your specific issue (regular UI vs. specialized claims have different contact lines) Hope this helps others navigating the system!